Yeah, it was the Eastern Roman Empire... but then the West collapsed. From what I gather Byzantine was a term that came around much later. From what I gather they went with Last Romans to differentiate from Late Romans, which in A&A is the Western Romans near the collapse. A thought, now that you mentioned the fantasy universe, I wonder if they will let you play other armies against fantasy. That would be a reason to throw in artifacts. What I have seen of the book I really like too. I do need to spend more time reading them both though.
Listening to your review I was struck by two things. One is how much past experience Studiotomahawk have put into this second edition, which is a reflection of how much feedback there has been over the years between themselves and the very active and enthusiastic Saga community. The other is how much there is to look forward to. ST have clearly devised a strategy to extend this second edition not only into existing areas such as the Crusades, but also into new areas such as Fantasy and Samurai. It looks to me that many of the add-ons at the back of the book will also be compatible with future releases.
Ralph Astley cheers Ralph, I agree that the publication quality and the new organization of the rules is certainly an evolution from the past. My understanding though is that the universes are not meant to be mixed together and ST said there may be balance issues between them but since the core system will be the same it will still be possible to have samurai fighting Jomsvikings etc 😊
I agree that the universes aren't meant to be mixed together. What I meant was that the core set of rules will now reach out into hitherto untouched domains, whilst at the same time the mercenaries, characters, and artefacts will carry over. For instance I'm sure the priest will be a recurrent theme as most societies took a reilgious representative to war with their armies and I can also see totems of one kind or another, and banners, appearing in all sorts of guises.
TheDiomedef16 thanks Ian yes I agree I am very happy with it. I have received 12 battle boards one for each listed in the table of contents. My understanding is there are a couple of factions that were lumped together coming from first edition such as Bretons and Normans and possibly two Welsh factions but everything listed is there. Cheers
As Palmer said, yes, they are all there, but also as he said, there is some of combining. So you will have one battle board, but then in the troop options there will be certain things that are specific to one version or the other (eg Strathclyde Welsh using rather more horses than there counterparts, or Bretons having javelins all over the place, vs the Norman mele). So even the factions that you do not see a name for are there, just not always as their own entity.
Well some places are just now putting out the first edition I hear 😀 But I just bought it from gripping beast but I think a number of places should have it in the US as well. I know a Canadian online and brick and mortar store has it too.
Helcarexe26 I bought a pack of Scotts dice and the rules from gripping beast and just coughed up the shipping because I really wanted it but I can’t say when big US retailers will have it. If they ordered it they should have it. Nobleknight games has a lot of Saga stuff maybe check with them?
Helcarexe26 nobleknight will often have two or more editions of a game for sale at the same time ai suspect their first edition stuff will be there fir awhile. But I am sure if you wait people will have it soon.
The Last Romans are a name change for the Byzantines who were the Eastern Roman Empire.
Darren Wishart-Brown thanks Darren I didnt realize they made that change cheers
Yeah, it was the Eastern Roman Empire... but then the West collapsed. From what I gather Byzantine was a term that came around much later. From what I gather they went with Last Romans to differentiate from Late Romans, which in A&A is the Western Romans near the collapse.
A thought, now that you mentioned the fantasy universe, I wonder if they will let you play other armies against fantasy. That would be a reason to throw in artifacts.
What I have seen of the book I really like too. I do need to spend more time reading them both though.
Listening to your review I was struck by two things. One is how much past experience Studiotomahawk have put into this second edition, which is a reflection of how much feedback there has been over the years between themselves and the very active and enthusiastic Saga community. The other is how much there is to look forward to. ST have clearly devised a strategy to extend this second edition not only into existing areas such as the Crusades, but also into new areas such as Fantasy and Samurai. It looks to me that many of the add-ons at the back of the book will also be compatible with future releases.
Ralph Astley cheers Ralph, I agree that the publication quality and the new organization of the rules is certainly an evolution from the past. My understanding though is that the universes are not meant to be mixed together and ST said there may be balance issues between them but since the core system will be the same it will still be possible to have samurai fighting Jomsvikings etc 😊
I agree that the universes aren't meant to be mixed together. What I meant was that the core set of rules will now reach out into hitherto untouched domains, whilst at the same time the mercenaries, characters, and artefacts will carry over. For instance I'm sure the priest will be a recurrent theme as most societies took a reilgious representative to war with their armies and I can also see totems of one kind or another, and banners, appearing in all sorts of guises.
Ralph Astley oh I see yes I agree I think alot within the end sections of the book will have potential crossover value totally agree 😊
Great look Palmer
IDICBeer 40k Thanks Nick 😃
That looks like a very serious and excellent upgrade for Saga. Can you confirm that you receive all the factions battle boards with the book?
TheDiomedef16 thanks Ian yes I agree I am very happy with it. I have received 12 battle boards one for each listed in the table of contents. My understanding is there are a couple of factions that were lumped together coming from first edition such as Bretons and Normans and possibly two Welsh factions but everything listed is there. Cheers
As Palmer said, yes, they are all there, but also as he said, there is some of combining. So you will have one battle board, but then in the troop options there will be certain things that are specific to one version or the other (eg Strathclyde Welsh using rather more horses than there counterparts, or Bretons having javelins all over the place, vs the Norman mele). So even the factions that you do not see a name for are there, just not always as their own entity.
Dang. That is a good looking book. Now I’m really interested in picking it up hopefully this weekend.
Derek Kinsman yeah I have to say I am really feeling the Second edition so far, cheers
I think I’ve finally been persuaded. Think I’m going to have to buy this now. 🤬
Mary Hinge 😂 well you certainly have the miniatures at least , cheers Mary
Interesting review, now where can you find this game
Well some places are just now putting out the first edition I hear 😀 But I just bought it from gripping beast but I think a number of places should have it in the US as well. I know a Canadian online and brick and mortar store has it too.
I've looked around for it and no dice, local shop said its going to be a long time coming
Helcarexe26 I bought a pack of Scotts dice and the rules from gripping beast and just coughed up the shipping because I really wanted it but I can’t say when big US retailers will have it. If they ordered it they should have it. Nobleknight games has a lot of Saga stuff maybe check with them?
HeresyProducktionz Yeah all the big suppliers only show the 1st edition so far. Might have to wait for awhile for supplies to be released.
Helcarexe26 nobleknight will often have two or more editions of a game for sale at the same time ai suspect their first edition stuff will be there fir awhile. But I am sure if you wait people will have it soon.
Yep, need to pick this up.
Grossmesser666 it’s a great book I’m not disappointed, cheers